Job DescriptionJob Description:
Perkins Coie is seeking a Legal Practice Assistant (Legal Secretary) in our Personal Planning practice group. The Legal Practice Assistant will be responsible for assisting attorneys and the practice group team with estate and trust administration, including but not limited to drafting probate court documents, estate inventories, accountings, federal and state estate tax returns, federal gift tax returns, correspondence to clients and beneficiaries, drafting powers of attorney, preparing estate planning binders, etc.
In addition, as a member of the Perkins Coie LLP professional support staff team, this position is responsible for promoting and maintaining the goodwill and reputation of the firm. In this capacity, the Legal Practice Assistant is expected to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and confidentiality.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.
Proactively maintain overview of timekeepers' workload and caseload; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures to ensure each task is appropriately tracked and carried through to completion.
Create, edit, revise, redline, and/or proofread documents from dictation, handwritten, typed, and/or electronic copy.
Maintain timekeepers' calendars of meetings and business trips, using current software applications, and apprise them of responsibilities in advance of commitment.
File paper and electronic documents with appropriate courts and agencies and ensure proper procedures are followed and deadlines are met.
Receive, screen, and transmit telephone and conference calls in a professional manner and take accurate telephone messages for timekeepers, clients, and staff as required.
Process and route incoming mail, faxes, and electronic communications upon receipt.
Prepare outgoing mail (including boxes/packages for shipment) for prompt delivery, arranging for messenger services as needed to meet deadlines.
Coordinate with docketing specialist, including review of docketing reports for accuracy of dates, to ensure court or agency documents/actions for legal proceedings meet firm docketing requirements.
Coordinate preliminary conflict checks with Professional Standards to ensure attorney and firm's ability to represent requesting party.
Prepare new client/matter intake forms and engagement letter.
Assist with billing process, including daily time entry-entering, proofreading, spellchecking, and releasing-distributing monthly pro formas, potentially reviewing and editing prebills, and preparing final with cover letter (if appropriate) in accordance with firm or department procedures.
Prepare accounting documents as required, including check requests, expense and travel reimbursement requests, and trust documents.
Coordinate client/attorney/administrative conferences, meetings, and appointments for timekeepers and clients, including conference room scheduling, scheduling visitor offices, meal preparation of materials, and arrangement with a third party if needed (e.g., court reporter/videographer).
Coordinate travel arrangements, securing air, hotel, and car plans for timekeepers.
Set up and maintain administrative and client files; file electronic and/or paper documents and information promptly and accurately.Maintain file organization and updated indices.
SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED
Ability to accurately type 65 WPM, communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and establish effective working relationships throughout operational groups.
Strong command of the English language, including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form, and style.
Good knowledge of personal computer and system utilities or other comparable document production software.
Familiarity with basic office equipment.
Good organizational skills for prioritizing workload.
Ability to compose correspondence.
Basic knowledge of library operations and records storage procedures for retrieving materials and files for casework.
Basic knowledge of records management.
Basic understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the area of assignment.
Please note a cover letter is required to be considered for this role.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
Previous law firm experience of three or more years or equivalent preferred.
At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals, dedicated to providing value and superior service, and above all, have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals.
This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to ten paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.
This position may be filled in the following location(s). The compensation depends on qualifications and experience.
Washington State compensation range: $53,590 to $85,740 annually
#LI-Hybrid
Perkins Coie LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, protected veterans, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, social and recreational activities and termination.